eznews.inCement demand in the coverage universe is projected to rise by 11% year-on-year in Q3FY26, driven by robust infrastructure activity and sustained interest in affordable housing, according to a report by Axis Direct. The report highlights that rural markets are expected to outperform urban areas, bolstered by favorable monsoon conditions and steady wage growth. Continued government spending on infrastructure is anticipated to support overall cement volumes, contributing to a positive demand environment. While competitive pricing may challenge profit margins due to increased supply, cement manufacturers are likely to benefit from sustained volume growth. For the full financial year, cement demand is expected to grow between 7-8%, underpinned by ongoing government initiatives in infrastructure and housing. Additionally, a recent GST rate cut has improved affordability, further boosting non-trade demand. The outlook for the sector remains optimistic, with volume growth as the primary driver of revenue performance. 
Published: Jan 06 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe oil and gas sector is poised for a robust operational performance in the third quarter of FY26, with aggregate EBITDA anticipated to surge by 17% year-on-year, as highlighted in a sector preview by Nuvama. This growth is primarily driven by the downstream and city gas segments, particularly benefiting from improved gross refining margins (GRMs), which have seen a 21% year-on-year increase. However, fuel retail margins are under pressure, with diesel and petrol margins declining significantly due to higher product cracks and currency depreciation. Meanwhile, upstream performance is expected to remain weak, impacted by lower production and a drop in crude prices to around USD 63 per barrel. The city gas distribution segment is projected to grow modestly, while gas utilities are likely to experience mixed results, reflecting a broader trend of downstream strength contrasting with upstream challenges.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian Rice Exporter's Federation (IREF) has urged the government to implement tax incentives, interest subvention, and freight support in the upcoming 2026 Budget to enhance the competitiveness of the rice sector while addressing sustainability issues. IREF President Prem Garg highlighted the need for a 4% interest subvention on export credit and 3% freight support to lower costs for exporters and promote sustainable practices. India, which accounts for approximately 40% of global rice trade, exported around 20.1 million tonnes in the 2024-25 fiscal year, making rice exports a vital economic asset. However, the sector faces challenges such as groundwater depletion and market volatility. IREF's demands also include a one-time waiver of retrospective duty on certain rice varieties, aimed at alleviating disputes and supporting sector stability. The federation emphasized that targeted fiscal measures could improve sustainability and farmer outcomes, ultimately bolstering India's economic resilience.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia's economy is projected to grow by 6.9% in Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27), a decline from the estimated 7.4% growth for FY26, according to Indian Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra). The agency attributes this slowdown to several factors, including the El Niño weather pattern, a weak currency, and sluggish global trade, despite domestic reforms such as income tax cuts and GST rationalisation. Chief Economist Devendra Kumar Pant noted that while rural demand remains strong, urban consumption is lagging. The outlook for inflation is positive, with stable agricultural growth expected to support real wages and consumption. Ind-Ra also highlighted that risks to FY27 growth are balanced, with potential boosts from a faster Indo-US trade deal and favourable climatic conditions. The economic outlook will be revised following the upcoming changes to the base year for GDP and Consumer Price Index calculations.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 12 pmeznews.inUnion Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, has unveiled a series of innovative products from the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT). Among the highlights is Collagen Honey Peanut Butter, created by Parayil Biofarm Pvt. Ltd., which combines premium peanuts with high-quality collagen to offer a protein-rich spread aimed at health-conscious consumers. This product is free from added sugars, preservatives, and artificial additives, promoting joint health and muscle recovery. Additionally, ready-to-eat food items from Fudcy Foods were launched, utilizing advanced retort processing technology to ensure shelf stability and nutritional integrity without preservatives. The initiative reflects CIFT's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and providing safe, high-quality food solutions, as it supports innovators through its Zonal Technology Management & Agri-Business Incubation Centre, helping to transform ideas into market-ready products and sustainable fisheries enterprises.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 11 ameznews.inIndia's services sector, which constitutes over 54% of the country's GDP, experienced a slowdown in December, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropping to 58 from 59.8 in November, marking the slowest expansion rate since January, according to S&P Global. Despite this decline, the index still indicates significant output growth, driven by competitive pricing and strong demand. Pollyanna De Lima, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global, noted that while the sector remains robust, there are signs of moderating growth as 2025 concludes. Positive trends in external demand were observed, particularly from Asia, North America, the Middle East, and the UK, with new export orders increasing at a faster pace than in November. However, concerns about market uncertainty and exchange rate fluctuations persist, although the weaker rupee may enhance export competitiveness. Overall, the benign inflation environment could support continued growth and job creation in the sector.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 10 ameznews.inNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has hailed the recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with India as a "landmark deal" poised to generate significant opportunities for jobs, exports, and economic growth. In a social media announcement, Luxon emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with India, the world's largest and fastest-growing economy. The FTA, finalized on December 22, 2025, marks a strategic milestone in India's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and aligns with its vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. The agreement, which emerged from intensive negotiations, eliminates tariffs on all goods, providing duty-free access for Indian exports and enhancing the competitiveness of various sectors, including textiles and engineering. Luxon noted that this high-quality partnership will foster innovation, promote employment, and support small and medium enterprises, ultimately benefiting both nations and their economies.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 9 ameznews.inSmall private shipyards in India are expressing alarm over the government's decision to reduce incentives for electric and green vessels from 25% to 15%, a move they argue will hinder the adoption of clean technologies among shipowners. The revised Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS), effective from September 2025, has been criticized for potentially stalling innovation and undermining efforts to decarbonize coastal and inland waterways. Sandith Thandasherry, founder of Navalt, India's largest solar electric boat manufacturer, described the policy shift as a setback for the country's electric boat revolution. The Shipyards Association of India echoed these concerns, highlighting that the new guidelines do not offer additional incentives for green vessels, which could discourage their adoption. With 90% of India's inland waterways requiring small vessel operations, the association is urging the government to reconsider the guidelines to better support the transition to electric and solar technologies.
Published: Jan 06 2026, 7 ameznews.inNavi Mumbai airport authorities are set to meet with telecom representatives in mid-January to address ongoing disputes over Right of Way (RoW) permissions and associated charges, which have hindered the deployment of essential 4G and 5G connectivity. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) is at odds with the Adani group and other airport authorities, who have restricted access for telecom operators. Experts, including Mahesh Uppal from Comm First, emphasize the need for a swift resolution, noting that delays negatively impact customer experience. Despite previous attempts by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to mediate, conflicts have persisted for two decades due to jurisdictional limitations. Analysts argue that telecom is now a vital service, and any lack of connectivity affects both airlines and passengers, urging for a collaborative approach to resolve these issues without government intervention.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 pmeznews.inSpeculation is mounting over a potential leadership change at Air India as concerns grow regarding the effectiveness of the Tata Group's revival efforts. Nearly three years post-acquisition, the airline continues to face operational disruptions, inconsistent service quality, and sluggish reforms, prompting an internal review of CEO Campbell Wilson's performance. While Wilson's tenure has seen significant initiatives, such as the Vihaan.AI transformation programme and a substantial aircraft order, execution has faltered, with ongoing issues like crew shortages and integration challenges undermining progress. Critics argue that Wilson's ties to Singapore Airlines have hindered alignment with Tata's objectives. Despite some improvements in customer experience and network expansion, Air India remains burdened by high capital expenditures and cultural shifts from its public-sector legacy. The focus now shifts from strategic vision to operational delivery, as the future of Air India's revival hinges on effective leadership and consistent service.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 10 pm
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